T-ball disasters

I have said it before, I, myself, am not competitive, but I noticed last night that with my children I am.  We signed Ford up for t-ball.  He is the youngest one in the league and I think it’s safe to say he has no clue what is going on. 

Ford is #4

The night started off with team pictures and then the two groups had a “practice”.  Ford’s team, the red team, seems to be smaller than the blue team and much less experienced.  The red team went out into the field first.  This is a rundown of what Ford did: picked his rear, threw his glove into the air, turned around with his back facing the batter, came and sat down next to me after 5 minutes and said he was done, cried, yelled at other kids for getting the ball, did yoga like stretches, and hit me.  Yes, you read that all correctly, and to sum it up I almost had a nervous breakdown. 

Do you see any other kids around?  Nope!!  The Lone Ranger just wandered off doing his own thing!

 Ford and his friend, Eliza Jane

 The Red Team

Ford is competitive.  Ford is OCD.  Ford is a perfectionist.  Ford wants to be a winner.  Ford doesn't do well in groups.  With all of that said, t-ball could be a disaster.  In order for things to run smoothly with my child he needs to know up front what is going to be happening.  Last night he didn't have a clue.  He was mad at the other kids who were actually paying attention when they would get the ball.  I was yelling from my lawn chair that he needed to “pay attention” and “run after the ball”.  There were several times I thought he might cry because he never got the ball.

Then it was the red teams’ turn to bat.  This was definitely exciting.  The concept of running the bases was a tough one to grasp.  There were adults at each base yelling at the kids to run to them.  A lot of them, including my son, ran after the ball they hit.  On Ford’s second time at bat he ran after the ball he hit.  I was yelling at him to stop and to go to first base.  Well, that made him mad.  He started crying and refused to run the bases.  I was basically dragging him along.  In between second and third he got ticked and hit me.  That set me off and he got a spanking right there at third base.

After the game was over Trey asked him if he wanted ice cream.  I quickly put my foot down and said, “absolutely not!”.  We talked to Ford about baseball during supper and hopefully Thursday will be better.  We want Ford to have fun and enjoy the game, but I can’t let my child get out there and start crying like that.  I was embarrassed.  

Today is also another big day for Ford.  It’s his last day of 3K pre-school at our church.  This year has literally flown by.  He has had a good year and made some buddies at school.  After much discussion Trey and I have decided to hold Ford back and let him repeat 3K.  He will be going to a new school next year so hopefully the transition will be a smooth and successful one.

Compare:  His first day of 3K back in August.  Ford grew 2 inches and gained 4 pounds.

Mrs. April and Ford

 Mrs. Heather and Ford

Since Ford was born it has always been a topic of discussion that we might hold him back since he has a late birthday.  Boys also tend to mature slower than girls do and quite frankly I am no hurry for my babies to grow up.  You get to spend most of your life being an adult.  We want Ford to enjoy being a child and having fun.  He will more than likely be in school into his 20’s so I am in no rush to begin that journey.  Also, I would rather him be a year older before I set him free out into the college world alone.  Therefore, Trey and I get to have Ford at home with us a year longer and for that I am very excited!

Yes, I do have two children.  Poor Bitty.  Lately Ford has gotten all the spotlight with turning 4, his birthday party, and now t-ball and finishing 3K.  John Brantley is still wild and enjoying life too.  On Friday of last week, he took his first step!!!  I am honestly trying so hard not to compare him to Ford because I know all children are different, but in the back of my mind I keep saying, “Ford was walking at 10.5 months.”  I know he will walk in his own time and then I will really be chasing him.  I joke with Trey and tell him that he can’t walk because his feet are so small.  He is wearing a size 3-4 flip flop.  He can’t wear any of the sandals that Ford wore when he was that age.  

John Brantley understands things that we say a lot now.  If you ask him if he wants to go outside he starts grunting and puts his arms up for you to hold him.  Then he starts kicking his legs.  He gets excited about so many things and will squeal very loudly and kick his legs.  It’s precious.  

I really thought he was going to cut a tooth last week.  He has been crankier than normal and his appetite isn't quite right.  Then I decided he didn't like baby food anymore and I would try some table food.  That didn't work so well either, so I am back to assuming his gums are just sore.